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Don Gilmer, a Republican from Augusta, was a giant in Michigan politics and government, serving 22 years in the state House of Representatives, then as state lottery commissioner, and state budget director. Gilmer died on Aug. 12, 2019 of complications from Lewy Body Dementia. Perhaps the trait for which he will be most remembered was his ability to bring people with diverse interests, competing viewpoints, and both major parties together to craft good public policy. His longtime friend and colleague, former Michigan House Speaker Paul Hillegonds, delivered the eulogy at Gilmer’s memorial service.

Fred Fry had years of experience working through difficult issues in Lansing. So did Tom Cleary. They represented opposing interests on legislation that would never make headlines, but was very important to the interest groups they represented. Rep. Vern Ehlers had the job of adjudicating this issue – and worked it out.

Nell Kuhnmuench weaves a remarkable story about how Marge Malarney ascended the often-unsteady Michigan Capitol ladder to become a legendary and highly regarded lobbyist for the city of Detroit for over 20 years. Intelligence, knowledge of the process, and flat-out hard work were all at play. This was at a time when women had to double prove they could do the job.

When he was the Republican leader of the Michigan House Representatives, Paul Hillegonds wrote a moving tribute in honor of his recently deceased friend and colleague, former state Rep. Jim Dressel (R-Holland). He shows how true leaders never quit learning and growing.

Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas M. Kavanagh, a giant in state politics, was my first employer in my political career. It would be hard to imagine a finer mentor and person to set you off on your new career path.